Chretien Point Plantation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Chretien Point Plantation
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 Location in Louisiana
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Sunset, Louisiana |
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| Area | 20 acres (8.1 ha) |
| Built | 1835 |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 77001519 |
| Added to NRHP | May 26, 1977 |
The Chretien Point Plantation is a historic red brick mansion. It has twelve rooms and sits on twenty acres of land. You can find it near Sunset, Louisiana, in St. Landry Parish.
This plantation is famous for a few reasons. A battle from the American Civil War was fought on its grounds. Also, the well-known pirate Jean Lafitte once lived there. The mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
Contents
A Look Back: Early History
The story of Chretien Point Plantation began in 1776. The Spanish government gave the land to Louis St. Germain. Later, in 1781, Joseph Chretien bought the property. His grandson, Hipolyte Chretien II, inherited the land.
The plantation was a very large cotton farm. It covered about 3,000 acres and had many enslaved people working there. Hipolyte Chretien II started building the main house in 1831. The large, two-story mansion was finished in 1835. Hipolyte and his wife, Felicité, then moved in.
During the Civil War, Union soldiers were burning plantations in the area. Hipolyte, who was sick, heard they were coming. He had his helpers take him to the balcony. He waved a white flag to talk with the Union Commander. It turned out both men were part of a group called the Masons. Because of this connection, the mansion was saved. However, the buildings where enslaved people lived and other farm buildings were burned.
At one time, the famous pirate Jean Lafitte lived on the plantation. Hipolyte II passed away in 1839 from yellow fever. His wife, Felicité, then took over running the plantation. She even made it bigger, growing it to about 10,000 acres. Felicité was known for playing poker games with Jean Lafitte. He even taught her how to smoke cigars!
There's a story about Felicité hearing someone break into the house one night. She grabbed a weapon and stood on the stairs. When she saw movement, she fired and hit the intruder.
Civil War Battles
Two important battles during the Civil War happened near the plantation.
Battle of Buzzard's Prairie
The first battle was the Battle of Buzzard's Prairie. It took place on October 15, 1863. This fight happened right in the fields in front of the mansion.
Union soldiers, led by Maj. General William B. Franklin, were on an expedition. They were part of General Nathaniel P. Banks' Army of the Gulf. The Confederate forces were led by Brig. General Thomas Green. His group included several Texas Cavalry regiments.
The Union soldiers advanced first. Then, the 4th, 5th, and 7th Texas Cavalry attacked their right side. The Union line struggled for a moment. But they quickly got reinforcements and pushed the Confederates back.
Battle of Bayou Bourbeux
The second battle was the Battle of Bayou Bourbeux. It was fought on November 3–4, 1863. This battle is also known by other names, like the Battle of Grand Coteau or Battle of Carrion Crow Bayou.
Today, Chretien Point Plantation is owned by Kristine Nations. It is run as a bed and breakfast, where people can stay. It also hosts weddings and other events.
